On 10-15-07 we took a flight out from Tucson to Nashville (via Dallas). It was a nice day, and I got a few shots out the airplane window. Here is the Willcox Playa, a dry lake bed. The Apache Generating Station plumes can also be seen. A bit further on a twisting dry riverbed can be seen in New Mexico. Then there is this large area that looks like (one of several) failed housing developments in eastern New Mexico. However, that is not clear, on further reflection. It is all in the vicinity of the Hobbs Precision Bombing Target, so it may be associated with that. However, the "pads" look like they were bulldozed out for a housing development, with road running to all the pads (but few houses). This sort of thing covers much of southeastern New Mexico and into Texas. I don't know what it is, but Google Earth shows a widespread area (probably more than 1000 square miles) that looks just like it.
The next day we went to the Grand Ole Opry to see the Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes. They did a fabulous Christmas program, just amazing. That evening we met for dinner at the Jack Daniel's Saloon in the hotel. While waiting for a table, I got this shot of the crew. That's Sherri and her husband Bill on the right, of course. Then Erin swapped places with me so I get to be in a picture. She took a better picture than I did (but then - I'm in it!).
Monday was the big awards luncheon. The award Sherri received was one of twelve given by the Association for the entire country. She was the first woman from Texas to receive the award, a newsworthy achievement. Congratulations, Sherri. We all met ahead of time and took a few pictures. Here's the award recipient and proud husband. Then, the award recipient and proud family. Here's a three generation shot. Here we are in front of the Christmas tree. We then went to the official "picture taking", where I took unofficial pictures of Sherri and plaque and Sherri and Bill (and plaque). Then a kind fellow offered to take a picture of the entire contingent there for the award ceremony. Unfortunately I do not have a real good picture of the award ceremony. While we were seated up close, it wasn't close enough for use of a flash, and without it didn't turn out real well, but here's my picture of it.
After the luncheon some of us took a little trip out to look at Vanderbilt University. Here's Cornelius himself. Here's a shot of one of the buildings, showing the architecture typical on the campus. There is an interesting sculpture on campus. Here a group of confused people search for the end of a möbius strip.
The next morning Amelia and I looked at a Christmas tree exhibition. Most had fanciful decorations, including this one admired by Amelia. The trees were up for silent auction and the admission fees and auction proceeds benefited charity.